BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – IU basketball opened its 2026-2027 season in style, defeating Eastern Illinois 91-57 at Assembly Hall on Tuesday night.
A number of different Hoosiers stood out, none more so than Notre Dame transfer Markus Burton.
Indiana’s new starting point guard was outstanding in his Hoosier debut, racking up 19 points and five assists while shooting 7-for-8 from the field.
“Just doing the things that the coaches want us to do,” Burton said postgame on facilitating the offense. “It’s always been who I am…just making my teammates better. That’s what I’m here to do.”
Despite being out of action since last December, Burton showed no signs of rust whatsoever.
Though not typically known for his range, Burton knocked down a trio of 3-pointers. Head coach Darian DeVries highlighted the work he has put in to improve his shooting from beyond the arc.
“He’s put a tremendous amount of time into it…bought into being an efficient 3-point shooter,” DeVries said postgame. “I like the ones he’s taken…he’s aggressive and he’s finding the right ones.”
Burton flawlessly facilitated IU’s 91-point performance, only turning the ball over once for the entire contest. He made crisp pass after crisp pass, showing early signs of being one of the top point guards in the Big Ten this season.
The one downside to Burton’s performance on Tuesday night was the four fouls he accumulated. He had to sit for a while after picking up his third early in the second half.
IU lacked high-level point guard play last season, one of the many reasons they missed the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive season.
If Burton’s performance is any indication of what’s to come, the Hoosiers could be looking at their best point guard since the days of Yogi Ferrell.
IU will be back at Assembly Hall on Thursday, Nov. 5 to host Bellarmine. Tip is scheduled for 6 p.m. and the game will be televised on Peacock and NBCSN.
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